Freddy Peralta flashes extra zip on fastball in blanking Arizona on no hits for three innings

PHOENIX - Right-hander Freddy Peralta was impressive in his three-inning start Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, allowing no hits, runs or walks over three innings while recording three strikeouts.

Peralta also reached 94-95 mph with his fastball at times, a few clicks better than last season, as the Brewers took a 6-3 victory at American Family Fields of Phoenix.

Milwaukee Brewers Freddy Peralta delivers a pitch during the second inning of their spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Friday, March 8, 2019, in Phoenix, Arizona.(Photo/Roy Dabner) ORG XMIT: RD161(Photo: Roy Dabner, for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

“Every time Freddy has gone out, he has thrown the ball really well,” manager Craig Counsell said. “He threw the ball well on the minor-league side in his last appearance.

“He’s in a good spot right now; lots of strikes right now. The ball is coming out (of his hand) really well, throwing his curveball for strikes. He’s doing everything he needs to do to get outs.”

As for Peralta’s extra zip on the fastball, Counsell said, “There were some 94's and 95's there once in a while. That’s always a positive sign, what that looks like. He’s in a good place. The hitter’s reaction will tell you that, too.

"The added ‘velo’ really helps a guy like Freddy, who is fastball dependent.”

Peralta, who is in a competition with two other young pitchers, Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff, for jobs in the bullpen, was pleased with his outing as well as the command he has had thus far in games.

“I’m feeling much better,” he said. “My body feels strong. I felt really good today. My command is really good but it can be better. I was hitting my spots.”

Peralta, the youngest of the candidates at 22, went 6-4 with a 4.25 ERA in 16 games last season (14 starts) and pitched out of the bullpen in the postseason. He knows he is in a competition for the rotation but prefers not to view it that way.

“I don’t see it as a competition with my teammates,” he said. “I just come here and do my job.”

Regular season broadcasts announced

The Brewers announced their regular-season broadcast schedule for 2019, which includes all 162 games on both television and radio.

FS Wisconsin will broadcast 158 games, beginning on opening day, March 28, against St. Louis at Miller Park. The other four games will be national broadcasts: three games on FOX – May 18 at Atlanta, June 29 against Pittsburgh and July 13 vs. San Francisco; and ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball on May 12 against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.